Photographic apparatus



Oct. 1969 J. ROBIN ETAL 3,472,138

PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS Filed June 12, 1967 @m W .mmw fi m n mw m fm N, MGM a .n m wwww Oct. 14, 1969 G, J. ROBIN ETAL 3,472,138 7 PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS Filed Ju e 12, 1967 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 617m: 1mm filwn 00mg,

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PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS Filed June 12, 1967 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 GlZbff/Z P017272 flZz/z'n Cram'g' flan (01's IQ Gmber INVENTOPS.

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ATTORNEY United States Patent PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS Gilbert J. Robin, Cambridge, Alvin Cronig, Lexington,

and Francois R. Gruber, Wilmington, Mass., assignors to Itek Corporation, Lexington, Mass., a corporation of Delaware Filed June 12, 1967, Ser. No. 645,384 Int. Cl. G03b 17/52 U.S. Cl. 9513 34 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE A unitary photographic apparatus which can be loaded with a plurality of aperture card mounted microfilms and operated to expose and process the films without individual 7 handling thereof. The loaded cards are sequentially conveyed within the apparatus from a fixed exposure position to a fixed processing position where a viscous processing reagent is applied to the film before removal of the card.

This invention relates generally to photographic apparatus and more particularly relates to a unitary photographic device especially suited for exposing and processing aperture card mounted microfilm.

The now well known microfilm aperture card is a data processing card having an aperture in which a frame of microfilm is mounted. Typically, the mounted microfilm contains a graphic image of a previously photographed visual presentation and the card contains a key for locating the recorded information by, for example, electronic data processing computers. The ability of microfilm aperture cards to both handle total graphic information and to be quantitatively indexed has resulted in extremely eflicient and extensive information management systems.

However, despite the many desirable features exhibited by aperture card systems, they have not come into extensive use because of other disadvantageous characteristics. Primary drawbacks have been the great complexity and relatively high cost of the presently available aperture card processing systems. These factors have limited the practical utility of the microfilm aperture card to extremely high volume information management systems. The same factors have limited the system principally to applications wherein the material being photographed can be brought directly to the aperture card camera and processing equipment. This latter requirement negates the potential usefulness of aperture cards for those applications wherein one desires a photographic record of a visual presentation which as a practical matter, cannot be moved to a remote location and also desires to know immediately that a suitable photographic image of the presentation has been obtained. Such applications are multitude and include, for example, those instances in which one desires a photographic record of industrial equipment, prototype devices, blackboard presentations, etc.

A solution of the above problems is provided by the photographic processing apparatus described in US. application Ser. No. 613,603 of Alvin Cronig and Francois R. Gruber filed Feb. 2, 1967 and assigned to applicants assignee. That application describes a portable photographic unit especially adapted to process individual film frames mounted in aperture cards. The processor unit includes a demountable film retaining magazine suitable for use with a complementary camera unit during exposure of the microfilm. Although the equipment described solves many of the above noted problems and greatly enlarges the application potential of microfilm aperture cards, it does exhibit certain disadvantages. For

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example, because of the multiple independent units involved, the system inherently involves a relatively large number of operating steps for complete handling of the microfilm between exposure and processing. Also, the necessity of individually handling each aperture card during each step of the complete operation somewhat limits the flexibility of the system.

The object of this invention, therefore, is to provide a compact, unitary photographic device which can be sequentially used for both exposing and processing aperture card mounted microfilm.

Another object of this invention is to provide a photographic device of the above type which, after a single loading, is capable of sequentially producing a plurality of graphic image retaining aperture cards.

One feature of this invention is the provision of a portable photographic device adapted to receive aperture card mounted microfilm and including a light-tight housing which encloses both a camera mechanism and a viscous processing reagent applicator. After exposure of the microfilm in a fixed exposure position within the housing a conveyor mechanism moves the aperture card mounted microfilm to a fixed processing position where the ap plicator presses a layer of viscous processing reagent against the microfilm before its removal from the housing. With this device, one can produce rapidly on aperture card mounted microfilm a fully processed graphic image of a visual presentation situated in practically any location.

Another feature of this invention is the provision of a photographic device of the above featured types wherein the light-tight housing defines a film well adapted to contain a plurality of microfilm retaining aperture cards and including a film supply mechanism which automatically positions a new microfilm in the exposure position after removal of a previously exposed and processed aperture card. This device eliminates the requirement for a separate film loading step before each exposure operation.

Another feature of the invention is the provision of a photographic device of the above featured types wherein the applicator applies processing viscous contained in individual, disposable pods and the device includes. a supply well adapted to stow a plurality of the pods. This feature helps insure for a user the availability of a supply of processing pods to accommodate the plurality of aperture cards retained within the housing.

Another feature of the invention is the provision of a photographic device of the above featured types wherein the applicator mechanism includes a support member adapted to support a flanged portion of the viscous containing pod and a flat applicator surface adapted to force a flexible bottom wall of the pod against the microfilm being processed. The support member and applicator surface are operated by an actuating assembly which initially produces simultaneous movement of both support member and applicator surface in a direction toward the retained microfilm and after detention of the pods flanged portion produces further movement only of the applicator surface so as to forcibly flex the pods bottom wall against the microfilm.

Another feature of the invention is the provision of the photographic device of the above featured types wherein the aperture ca-rd mounted film frames are conveyed from the exposure position to the processing position by a slide plate which extends through an exit slit in the light-tight housing. The slidable plate provides an extremely simple and eflFective transport mechanism for the retained aperture cards.

Another feature of the invention is the provision of a photographic device of the above featured types wherein the light seal surrounding the slide plate exit slit includes a seal portion movable between a closed position in contact with the slide plate and an open position spaced therefrom. The movable seal portion eliminates possible soiling of the seal by processing reagent during removal of processed aperture cards from the light-tight housing.

Another feature of the invention is the provision of a photographic device of the above featured types including a neutralizer unit attached to that portion of the slide plate which extends outside the light-tight housing. The neutralizer unit is adapted to apply a neutralizing reagent to the mounted microfilm as the aperture card is withdrawn from the light-tight housing thereby eliminating the requirement for an additional step after removal of the card.

Another feature of the invention is the provision of a photographic device of the above featured type wherein the neutralizing unit is adapted also to apply an ultraviolet light filter coating to the fully processed and neutralized .microfilm thereby rendering the resultant aperture cards useful in permanent information storage systems.

Another feature of the invention is the provision of a photographic device of the above featured types wherein the individual aperture cards are enclosed in opaque envelopes having apertures which coincide with the microfilm frames. The envelopes prevent simultaneous exposure of several film frames.

These and other features and objects of the present invention will become more apparent upon a perusal of the following specification taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein;

FIG. 1 is a partially cut away, front perspective view of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a partial front view of the invention showing the processor unit in an open position;

FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of the invention showing the housing open and the aperture cards and slide plate mechanism removed;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged cross sectional view of the processing reagent applicator unit shown in FIGS. 1-3;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged perspective view of a processing reagent filled pod suitable for use with an applicator of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a partial rear view of the housing base showing the exit slit and movable seal portion;

FIG. 7 is a cross sectional view of the housing base and intermediate sections taken along lines 7--7 of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is an end view of the housing base and intermediate sections illustrating the exit slit and surrounding light seals;

FIG. 9 is a partial cross-sectional view of the exit slit taken along lines 99 of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a partial perspective view of the portion of the seal surrounding the exit slit;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the slide plate shown in FIG. 3 and clearly illustrating the attached neutralizer unit;

FIG. 12 is a top view of the slide and neutralizer unit shown in FIG. 11; and

FIG. 13 is a top view of another slide plate embodiment of the invention.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-3, there is shown the photographic device 10 including the conventional camera unit 11 and the viscous processor unit 13. Enclosing both the camera 12 and processor 13 is a light-tight housing formed by the base enclosure 14, the open ended intermediate housing section 15 attached by the hinge 16 and back cover 17 attached by the hinge 18.

The walls of the base enclosure 14 possess edges 19 and interior shoulder portions 20 which engage the accommodating ridges 21 and outer shoulders 22 so as to form light-tight seals upon closure of the intermediate section 15. Similar light-tight seals are formed between the surface of the intermediate section 15 and the cover 17. Below the shoulders 20 in the inner surface of the base enclosure 14 are the slots 24 which slidably receive the slide plate 25 via the recess opening 26 in the base end wall 27. The camera back plate 28 with the exposure aperture 29 is flush with the lower edge of the slot 24. Separating the camera unit 12 and processor 13 is the divider wall 31 having on its rear edge the black felt strip 32 which engages the front surface of the slide plate 25 so as to form a light-tight seal therewith.

Mounted on the inner side wall surfaces of the base enclosure 14 adjacent the terminations of the slots 24 are the felt pieces 33 (FIGS. 610) which contact the edges of the slide plate 25. Similar felt strips 34 and 35 attached to the intermediate section 15 and the seal actuator 36 and contact, respectively, the back 37 and front 38 surfaces of slide plate 25 in addition to the felt pieces 33. Thus, upon closure of the intermediate section 15, the felt strips 33, 34 and 35 form a light sealed passage for the slide plate 25.

As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the seal actuator 36 is movably mounted in the cavity 41 and has the actuating lever 42 which extends through the elongated aperture 43 in the base end wall 27. The aperture is adapted to retain the seal actuator 36 in positions wherein the felt strip 35 is either in or out of contact with the slide plate 25.

The processor unit 13 is supported by the plate which is attached to the front face 51 of the base enclosure 14 by the hinges 52 allowing the entire unit to be swung into the readily accessible position shown in FIG. 2. Projecting from the inner margin of the plate 50 is the tongue 53 which upon closing of the hinged plate 50 fits into a groove 54 located in the recessed frame 55 formed in the front face 51 thereby providing a light seal therewith. Included in the processor assembly 13 is the applicator 56 and the supply well 57 shown loaded with the viscous filled vessel pods 58.

As shown in greater detail by FIG. 4, the applicator 56 comprises the applicator plate 61 with a flat top surface 62 and the vessel support 63 with the outwardly extending flanged portions 64. The inverted cup-shaped applicator base 65 has an open end mounted on the inner surface of the plate 50 and a closed end apertured to slidably receive the actuating post 66. Projecting through an opening in the plate 50 is the button attached for movement with the applicator plate 61 by the post 66. The hollow cylinder 67 is attached for movement with the support 63 and is adapted for axial movement in an annular channel in the base 65. Biasing of the various components is provided by the cylindrical spring 68 attached between the support 63 and the disc 69 and cylindrical spring 71 positioned between the base 65 and the button 70.

FIG. 5 shows a preferred film processing reagent container pod 58 for use with the applicator 56 of FIG. 4. The shallow container vessel 58 is formed of a suitable flexible material which permits relative movement be tween vessels bottom wall 72 and side walls 73. Extending outwardly from the side walls 73 are the flanged portions 74 to which are removably sealed the top wall 75. Two opposite flanged portions 74 include reentrant fastener edges 76 adapted to engage the underside of the vessel support flanges 64. The viscous processing reagent 77 contained by the vessel pod 58 can comprise any conventional monobath processing solution to which has been added a compatible thickening substance. Suitable thickencrs include, for example, natural and synthetic polysaccharides, enzymes, starches, thermoplastic and thermosetting resins, etc.

As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the neutralizer unit 81 is attached to one end of the slide plate 25. The neutralizer unit 81 includes the elongated receptacle 82 adapted to receive the removable retainer 83 which supports an absorbent pad 84 permeated with a suitable film neutralizer reagent. Pivotally attached to the ends of the receptacle 82 by brackets 85 is the cylindrical roller 86 which lies parallel to the elongated pad 84. Spring members 87 attached at the pivotal connections of the brackets 85 urge the roller 86 in a direction tending to produce contact with the elongated pad 84. Such contact can be prevented by moving the cam lever 88 into an open position wherein a given spacing is maintained between the roller 86 and the pad 84. The pad retainer 83 is held in the receptacle 82 by the pin 89 which forcibly engages a fitted opening in the rear surface of the receptacle 82. Removal of the retainer 83 is produced by pressing on that portion of the pin 89 which projects through the receptile 82.

Prior to utilization, the device is loaded, preferably in a dark room, with a plurality of light-impervious envelopes 91 made, for example, of black paper and containing the microfilm frames 92 mounted in aperture cards 93. The generally well known aperture cards are conventional and of the type, for example, described in US. Patents Nos. 2,512,106 and 2,587,022. Apertures 94 through one thickness of the envelopes 91 coincide with the microfilm frames 92. The envelopes 91 are inserted into the film well formed by the intermediate section after opening of the cover 17. After loading, all of the film frames 92 face and are retained in alignment with the exposure opening 29 in the camera wall 28 and with the inner portion of the elongated aperture 100 in the inserted slide plate 25. The innermost envelope 91 is urged against the rear surface 37 of the slide plate 25 by the pressure plate 95 attached to the inner surface of the cover 17 by the resilient spring member 96. One end of the spring member 96 is fixed to the back cover 17 while the other end is retained by a rivet 97 passing through an elongated slot which allows relative movement between the spring and the back cover. After closing and securing the cover 17 with the latch mechanism 98 the device 10 is ready for utilization.

The camera unit 11 is operated conventionally to expose through the opening 29 the directly adjacent microfilm frame 92 so as to produce thereon a desired image. Subsequently, the processor unit 13 is opened by pivoting the support plate 50 outward and a processing pod 58 is withdrawn from the supply well 57. After removal of the cover sheet 75 the pods reentrant portions 76 are placed over the support flanges 64 and the processor unit 13 is pivoted into the closed position shown in FIGS. 1 and 3. The user then begins withdrawing the slide plate 25 from the base 14 through the light sealed opening provided by the felt strips 33, 34 and 35. During this movement the transverse ridge 101 on the slide plate 25 engages the edge of the innermost envelope 91 and effects simultaneous movement thereof. Slide movement continues until the stop 102 engages the abutment 103 on the base enclosure 14. In this position the previously exposed microfilm 92 is aligned with the opened pod 58 and the applicator plate 61.

The user then pushes the button 70 causing inward movement of the post 66 and compression of the spring member 71. During initial movement of post 66, the disc 69'produees unitary motion of the entire applicator assembly including the spring member 68, the pod support 63 and the pod 58. However, after the pod surfaces 73 contact the slide 25 preventing further motion of the support 63, additional inward movement of the button 70 and attached post 66 compresses the spring member 68 and urges the applicator plate 62 into forcible contact with the bottom surface 72 of the pod 58. This causes a flexing movement of the pod bottom 72 through the slide aperture 100 and forces the contained processing reagent 77 against the surface of the previously exposed microfilm frame 92. The applicator is maintained in this position for a period of, for example, ten seconds suflicient to thoroughly develop the image on the microfilm. Upon release of the button 70, the spring members 68 and 71 return the various components to their original positions.

Before removal of the processed microfilm 92 and enclosing envelope 91 from the photographic device 10, the neutralizer unit 81 is prepared by inserting a neutralizer pad 84 into the housing 82. This is accomplished by pivoting the brackets 85 and roller 86 into an open position maintained by a gripping engagement between the pin and the catch 106. After insertion of a pad 84, the pin 105 is manually disengaged from the catch 106 permitting the roller 86 to pivot into a closed position under the influence of the spring members 87. However, a slight spacing is maintained between the roller 86 and pad 84 by the lever arm 88 which contacts one of the brackets 85. A single pad 84 can be utilized to neutralize several processed film frames and need be replaced only after a plurality of neutralizing operations or when a substantial time period elapses between successive neutralizing operations. With the neutralizer unit 81 prepared, the user manipulates the pin 42 moving the seal actuator 36 forward and eliminating contact between the felt strip 35 and the surfaces of the slide plate 25 and adjacent envelope 91. In this way, the felt strip 35 is not smeared, during withdrawal of the envelope 91, with processing reagent remaining on the film frame 92. The user then grasps that portion of the envelope 91 made accessible by the previous withdrawal movement of the slide plate 25 and passes it through the space existing between the roller 86 and the neutralizer pad 84. However, before completely removing the envelope 91, the lever arm 88 is released permitting the roller 86 to exert pressure upon the envelope 91. Thus, as the envelope is pulled through the neutralizing unit 91, the film frame 92 contacts the pad 84 and is completely neutralized by its neutralizer reagent content. After movement of the film frame 92 by the pad 84 but before complete withdrawal of the envelope 91, the lever arm 88 is again operated to produce a clearance between the roller 86 and the pad 84. This action prevents smearing of the roller 86 with neutralizing reagent after complete withdrawal of the envelope 91.

Upon completion of the neutralizing operation, the slide plate 25 is reinserted and the ridge 101 engages the edge of the next envelope 91 which is pressed against the slide by the pressure plate 95. Prior to slide plate insertion, however, the seal actuator 36 is forced into its rearward position causing the felt strip 35 to complete the light-tight seal around the slide plate 25. The above described exposure, processing and neutralizing actions then can be repeated on the next microfilm 92 and envelope 91 and thereafter on each successive aperture card 93 until the entire supply within the intermediate section 15 has been exhausted.

Thus, the present invention provides an extremely compact combination photographic device which can be used in any desired location and under a Wide variety of environmental conditions to both expose and process photographic film with a minimum number of required operating steps. As described, the invention is particularly useful in conjunction with information management systems because of its particular suitability for use with microfilm aperture cards. In this regard, it will be noted that the unique incorporation of a viscous processor unit adds substantially to the flexibility and simplicity of the overall device.

FIG. 13 shows another plate embodiment in which the receptacle 111 possesses two cavities which receive retainers 113 and 114 similar to the retainer 83 shown in FIGS. 11 and 12. Supported within the retainers 113 and 114 are the pad 115 saturated with a neutralizing reagent and the pad 116 saturated with a liquid suitable for forming an ultraviolet light filter coating on processed film. The receptacle 111 is pivotally attached to the slide 25 and is biased by the spring member 117 into engagement with the rollers 118 rigidly connected to the slide 25 and positioned parallel to the pads 115 and 116.

The operation of the FIG. 13 embodiment is similar to that described for the embodiment shown in FIGS. 11

and 12. Normally the lever 119 is in contact with the roller support 121 so as to maintain a spacing between the rollers 118 and the pads 115 and 116. However, after processed film containing envelope 91 has been started through the existing space, the lever 119 is released creating surface pressure on the straddled envelope. Thus, as the envelope is withdrawn, the retained film is first neutralized by contact with the pad 115 and then coated with an ultraviolet light filter by the pad 116. As above, the lever 119 is engaged again before complete removal of the envelope so as to prevent smearing of the rollers 118. With its retained film 92 having been fully neutralized and filter coated to prevent image deterioration, the aperture card 93 contained by the withdrawn envelope 91 can be used in a permanent information storage system without further processing.

Obviously, many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. For example, the invention can be effectively utilized for processing other than aperture card mounted film. Also, although the illustrated, manually operated processor unit is desirable because of its simplicity, it will be obvious that the basic concepts of the invention could be incorporated into an automatic or semi-automatic device. It is, therefore, to be understood that within the scope of the appended claims the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described.

What is claimed is:

1. A photographic apparatus comprising:

(a) a light-tight housing adapted to receive photographic film;

(b) retainer means adapted to fix the photographic film in an exposure position within said light-tight housing;

() camera means adapted upon actuation to expose the photographic film;

(d) an applicator means positioned within said housing and adapted to support a layer of viscous processing reagent, said applicator means comprising a substationally flat surface movably mounted in a position substantially parallel to said fixed processing position of the photographic film; and

(e) actuator means adapted to apply the viscous processing reagent to the photographic film by producing reciprocal movement of said fiat surface in a direction perpendicular thereto.

2. A photographic apparatus according to claim 1 including a conveyor means adapted to convey the photographic film from said exposure position to a fixed processing position wherein the viscous processing reagent is applied by said applicator means.

3. A photographic apparatus according to claim 2 wherein said light-housing is adapted to receive individual film frames mounted in aperture cards.

4. A photographic apparatus according to claim 3 wherein said conveyor means comprises a plate slidably engaged within said light-tight housing and extending through an exit slit therein.

5. A photographic apparatus according to claim 4 including a seal actuator means adapted in a closed position to light tightly seal said plate in said exit and in an open position to permit contact free removal of processed film frames.

6. A photographic apparatus according to claim 5 including a neutralizer means adapted to apply neutralizing reagent to processed film frames during their removal from said light-tight housing.

7. A portable photographic apparatus comprising:

(a) a light-tight housing adapted to receive separate individual frames of photographic film;

(b) retainer means adapted to fix each individual film frame in an exposure position Within said light-tight housing;

(c) camera means adapted upon actuation to expose the film frame while in said exposure position;

(d) conveyor means adapted upon actuation to convey the film frame from said exposure position to a fixed processing position within said light-tight housing;

(e) applicator means adapted to support a layer of viscous processing reagent, said applicator means comprising a substantially fiat surface movably mounted in a position substantially parallel to the fixed film frame; and

(f) actuator means adapted to apply the viscous processing reagent to the film frame while in said processing position by producing reciprocal movement of the fiat surface in a direction substantially perpendicular thereto.

8. A portable photographic apparatus according to claim 7 wherein said light-tight housing defines a film well adapted to contain a plurality of separate individual frames of film, and including film supply means adapted after removal of one film frame from said exposure position to move another film frame from said film well into said exposure position.

9. A portable photographic apparatus according to claim 8 wherein said conveyor means comprises a plate slidably engaged within said light-tight housing and extending through an exit slit therein.

10. A portable photographic apparatus according to claim 9 wherein said light-tight housing further defines a viscous supply well adapted to contain a plurality of disposable, viscous processing reagent filled vessels.

11. A portable photographic film processor apparatus according to claim 10 wherein said applicator means further comprises a shallow vessel containing the viscous processing reagent, said shallow vessel having a removable top wall, side walls conforming generally to the periphery of the film frame, and a flexible bottom wall adapted to move said viscous processing reagent into contact with the film frame after removal of said top wall and in response to force exerted on said bottom wall by said fiat surface during movement thereof.

12. A portable photographic film processor apparatus according to claim 11 wherein said shallow vessel includes a flange portion having an upper surface sealed to said top wall and adapted after removal thereof to engage a vessel retaining surface surrounding the film frame during movement of said flat surface.

13. A portable photographic apparatus according to claim 7 wherein said light-tight housing defines a film well adapted to contain a plurality of separate individual frames of film, and including film supply means adapted after removal of one film frame from said exposure position to move another film frame from said film well into said exposure position.

14. A portable photographic apparatus according to claim 13 wherein said conveyor means comprises a plate slidably engaged within said light-tight housing and extending through an exit slit therein.

15. A portable photographic; apparatus according to claim 14 wherein said light-tight housing further defines a viscous supply Well adapted to contain a plurality of disposable, viscous processing reagent filled vessels.

16. A portable photographic apparatus according to claim 15 wherein said applicator means further comprises a vessel support on which said vessel flange portion rests so as to support said vessel bottom wall directly adjacent said fiat surface, and said actuator means is adapted to produce initial simultaneous movement of both said vessel support and said fiat surface in a direction toward said film frame and after detention of said vessel support to produce further movement of said fiat surface so as to forcibly flex said vessel bottom wall toward said film frame.

17. A portable photographic apparatus according to claim 16 including a fastening means for securing said vessel to said vessel support thereby insuring return of said vessel with said vessel support after release of said ctuator m n 18. A portable photographic apparatus according to claim 7 wherein said light-tight housing is adapted to' receive said individual film frames mounted in aperture cards.

19. A portable photographic apparatus according to claim 18 wherein said light-tight housing defines a film well adapted to contain a plurality of aperture card mounted film frames, and including film supply means adapted after removal of one film frame from said exposure position to move another film frame from said film well into said exposure position.

20. A portable photographic apparatus according to claim 19 wherein said conveyor means comprises a plate slidably engaged within said light-tight housing and extending through an exit slit therein.

21. A portable photographic film processor apparatus according to claim 20 wherein said applicator means comprises a substantially flat surface movably mounted in a position substantially parallel to the fixed film frame, and said actuator means is adapted to produce reciprocal movement of said flat surface in a direction substantially perpendicular thereto.

22. A portable photographic film processor apparatus according to claim 21 wherein said applicator means further comprises a shallow vessel containing the viscous processing reagent, said shallow vessel having a removable top wall, side walls conforming generally to the periphery of the film frame, and a flexible bottom wall adapted to move said viscous processing reagent into contact with the film frame after removal of said top wall and in response to force exerted on said bottom wall by said fiat surface during movement thereof.

23. A protable photographic film processor apparatus according to claim 22 wherein said shallow vessel includes a flange portion having an upper surface sealed to said top wall and adapted after removal thereof to engage a vessel retaining surface surrounding the film frame during movement of said flat surface.

24. A portable photographic apparatus according to claim 23 wherein said light-tight housing further defines a viscous supply well adapted to contain a plurality of disposable, viscous processing reagent filled vessels.

25. A portable photographic apparatus comprising:

(a) a light-tight housing adapted to receive an aperture card mounted film frame;

(b) retainer means adapted to fix the aperture card mounted film frame in an exposure position within said light-tight housing;

(c) camera means adapted upon actuation to expose the film frame while in said exposure position;

(d) conveyor means adapted upon actuation to convey the aperture card mounted film frame to a fixed processing position within said light-tight housing;

(e) applicator means adapted to apply a processing reagent to the film frame mounted in the aperture card; and

(f) neutralizer means adaptd to apply neutralizing reagent to processed film frames during their removal from the light-tight housing.

26. A portable photographic apparatus of claim 25 wherein said applicator means comprises a substantially flat surface movably mounted within said light-tight housing in a position substantially parallel to said fixed processing position of the photographic film.

27. A portable photographic apparatus of claim 26 including an actuator means adapted to produce reciprocal movement of said fiat surface in a direction perpendicular thereto.

28. A photographic apparatus according to claim 27 wherein said conveyor means comprises a plate slidably engaged within said light-tight housing and extending through an exit slit therein.

29. A portable photographic apparatus according to claim 27, wherein said light-tight housing defines a film well adapted to contain a plurality of aperture card mounted film frames, and including film supply means adapted after removal of one aperture card from said exposure position to automatically move another aperture card from said film well into said exposure position.

30. A portable photographic apparatus according to claim 29 wherein said conveyor means comprises a plate slidably engaged within said light-tight housing and extending through an exit slit therein.

31. A portable photographic apparatus according to claim 27 including a coating means adapted to automatically apply a light filter coating substance to processed and neutralized film frames during their removal from the light-tight housing.

32. A portable photographic apparatus according to claim 30 including a neutralizer means mounted on said plate and adapted to apply neutralizing reagent to processed film frames during their removal from said lighttight housing.

33. A portable photographic apparatus according to claim 32 wherein said neutralizer means comprises a neutralizer reagent soaked pad and pressure roller adapted to straddle the film frames during their removal from said light-tight housing.

34. A portable photographic apparatus according to claim 33 including a coating means adapted to automatically apply a light filter coating substance to processed and neutralized film frames during their removal from the light-tight housing.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,435,720 2/1948 Land, -13 3,350,990 11/ 1967 Finelli et al. 9513 NORTON ANSHER, Primary Examiner RICHARD L. MOSES, Assistant Examiner US. Cl. X.R. 9589 

